I work as a Senior Therapeutic Radiographer in the Radiotherapy Department at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. A therapeutic radiographer’s job is to treat people with cancer using high energy x-rays and support them through their treatment.
Clare Coan - Senior Therapeutic Radiographer
Who do you work with?
Most of our patients receive their treatment as out-patients and attend hospital every day for between one and seven weeks. In addition, some patients are treated as in-patients and we need to liaise with the ward staff to bring patients for their radiotherapy treatment.
From day to day, I work in a small team with other radiographers, but we do work regularly with members of the wider multidisciplinary team.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
In a typical day I undertake lots of different activities. These include the daily quality assurance of the radiotherapy machine (linear accelerator), the providing of radiotherapy treatment and assessing of side effects, completing administrative tasks such as contacting doctors or the physics department, arranging ambulance transport or clinic appointments and making any necessary changes to treatments.
Radiotherapy work usually takes place from Monday to Friday, but we do occasionally work weekend shifts.
Each day is different in my job. At one moment I could be working out how much to adapt treatment to account for a patient’s internal anatomy changes and the next I could be responding to distressing questions from a patient.
Why did you choose this career path?
I looked at careers in the health service; the technical nature, physics content and the opportunity to help people face-to-face attracted me to a career in Radiotherapy.
So, following studying for my A-Levels in German, Physics, Economics and General Studies and my BTEC in Physics, I moved from Wirral to study a BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology degree at Cardiff University.
Are there opportunities to develop?
As well as the normal job there are plenty of opportunities to develop additional skills. It’s possible to develop expertise in areas such as assessment clinics, research and development, technological changes or to work in special interest cohorts.
NHS Wales encourages personal development. I have undertaken a postgraduate level module in adult education, a management qualification and the department has even supported me to learn Welsh.
What skills do you need?
The key skills for my role are attention to detail, strong communication and problem-solving skills, being flexible and having an easy-going nature.
Why would you recommend the role?
No two days are the same in Radiotherapy. There is always something new to learn and experience. The job would suit someone who is keen to work in a varied role, that combines analytical and care skills.
As a challenging and rewarding career I would definitely recommend.